Gates Foundation aims to improve communication with grantees…

In the face of criticism that it sometimes has too big a say in how grantees should use funds it gives them and is more likely to listen to experts than grass-roots groups in setting strategies to fight global poverty, Jeffrey Raikes, CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the world’s biggest philanthropy, says the foundation aims to improve communication with grantees but defends its efforts to set goals for grantees and hold them accountable, USA Today reports June 1 (see Gates Foundation story).

Acquisition creates biggest hospice provider in New York State

Metropolitan Jewish Health System is taking over all hospice and palliative care services of Continuum Health Partners, becoming the largest hospice and palliative care provider in New York State, Crain’s New York Business reported June 1 (see New York hospice story).

Giving by cell phone quick and easy but has drawbacks

Donating by cell phones is quick and easy, opening up philanthropy to individuals who otherwise might believe than cannot contribute, although texted gifts can take months to reach their destination and carriers may impose limits on the amounts and number of times donors can give, PC World reported June 2 (see text-message giving story).